10 Best Stretching Exercise Courses and Certifications Online

Stretching exercises are a vital component of physical wellness, aiding in flexibility, injury prevention, and overall mobility. As such, individuals may seek to improve their knowledge and abilities in this area through online courses. With a multitude of options available, it can be challenging to discern which courses offer the most value. In this article, we will explore some of the best stretching exercise courses available online, highlighting their key features and benefits.

Here’s a look at the Best Stretching Exercise Courses and Certifications Online and what they have to offer for you!

10 Best Stretching Exercise Courses and Certifications Online

1. Stretching For The Inflexible – Beginner Stretching by Prof. Paul Cline, Ed.D, Sandor Kiss (Udemy) (Our Best Pick)

The course titled “Stretching For The Inflexible” is an online beginner stretching course instructed by Prof. Paul Cline, Ed.D, and Sandor Kiss. The course description highlights that it will teach individuals the right way to stretch, especially those who have difficulty stretching due to inflexibility. The course aims to provide unique techniques to help individuals stretch, multiple systems of stretching, and the ability to safely go at their own pace and level, among other benefits.

The course is designed to teach individuals the hidden reasons why they may have trouble stretching and how to overcome these issues. Unlike most stretching courses that only teach “static” stretches, this course covers three main ways to stretch. By the end of the course, individuals will have a better understanding of the right way to stretch, unique techniques to help them stretch, and multiple systems of stretching.

In addition to the course’s main components, a bonus section provides students with exclusive access to additional content. This course is not designed to show individuals hundreds of different stretches. Instead, it teaches a handful of simple stretches and concepts behind why they work. By understanding these concepts and theories, individuals can apply them to any stretching technique and enjoy their benefits.

The course is divided into several sections, including an introduction and beginning concepts, the secret of nerve flossing, stretching techniques, special tools, and additional content. Prof. Paul has condensed his many years of learning, training, and testing into this one quick and easy course, making it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for individuals to learn the secrets of stretching.

2. Complete Stretching: 30+ Exercises For Flexibility & Posture by Felix Harder (Udemy)

The Complete Stretching course, led by Felix Harder, is designed to teach individuals how to increase flexibility, relax muscles, and relieve tension throughout their body in just 15 minutes a day. Unlike typical flexibility programs, Complete Stretching focuses on educating individuals on the science behind stretching and its benefits, including reducing the risk of exercise-related injury, improving posture, decreasing muscle stiffness, and increasing range of motion. The course also highlights the common stretching mistakes people make and how to avoid them, as well as providing a daily stretching routine, 30+ exercise videos, and access to a private Facebook group for additional support.

The program consists of an introduction, followed by sections on the importance of stretching, dynamic and static stretching exercises, healthy bones and ligaments, and an outro. The course includes a 15-minute daily stretching routine, 30+ exercise videos, and information on common stretching mistakes and how to avoid them, stretching safety and correct form, the difference between static and dynamic stretching, and how to warm up correctly before stretching. Additionally, there is a bonus Facebook group called “Simple Muscle Academy” where students can ask questions and receive free advice from the instructor and other students.

Overall, Complete Stretching is an effective and simple program for anyone who wants to improve their flexibility, posture, and relieve tension throughout their body. The course is particularly helpful for those who are new to stretching or have been stretching inaccurately. By following the program’s daily routine and utilizing the provided resources, individuals can see significant results in their flexibility and overall well-being.

3. Back pain – Physiotherapy, Yoga and a Full understanding by MedScreen – Preventative Medicine (Udemy)

The Back Pain – Physiotherapy, Yoga and a Full Understanding course, offered by MedScreen – Preventative Medicine, aims to provide all the necessary information to understand, treat, and prevent back pain. The course highlights that almost all adults will experience back pain at some point in their lives and it is the number one cause of job-related disability, leading to missed work days.

The course emphasizes the importance of strengthening the core and keeping the body prepared to deal with any unforeseen pain. The course is designed to help understand the common causes of back pain and create a solid plan to deal with it. While the course is not a substitute for medical attention, it provides ways to treat unspecific back pain initially through physiotherapy, yoga, positional therapy, stretches, and medication. Properly strengthening the body is considered more effective in dealing with pain in the long-term than using medication to suppress the symptoms.

The course includes explanations of common types of back pain, tips to differentiate between different types of back pain, and signs and symptoms to watch out for as red flags that signal the need for immediate medical attention. The course also provides over 20 stretches, exercises, and yoga sequences to alleviate back pain and strengthen the core. Following the course’s recommendations can help deal with back pain in a way that ensures it does not return in the long-term. The course emphasizes that there are no shortcuts when it comes to the body, and following the plan can lead to a successful outcome within a few weeks.

Back pain should never be ignored or taken lightly, and the body is trying to communicate the need for strengthening in a specific way. The course aims to provide a proper plan, motivation, and knowledge to deal with back pain effectively. The course content includes an introduction, why people get back pain, physiotherapy, more fitness and exercise material, and a section to mark the course as completed.

4. A Physical Therapist’s Guide: How to Stretch & Mobilize by Nick Helton, DPT (Udemy)

This course, titled “A Physical Therapist’s Guide: How to Stretch & Mobilize,” is instructed by Nick Helton, DPT. With over 7,000 students already enrolled in one of Nick’s courses, this program provides a comprehensive guide to improving flexibility via stretching for major muscle groups of the body. The course includes 21+ videos, with more to be added based on request, that demonstrate how to perform a stretch and when to stretch, as well as provide information on the difference between flexibility and mobility.

The course is designed to help people achieve a baseline understanding of stretching, mobility, and beginner level activity. The instructor, Nick Helton, has put hours of editing and video creation into this course to help people move better. This course is suitable for those who want to increase their flexibility, know how to stretch major muscle groups of the body, and learn the difference between flexibility and mobility.

The course is divided into several sections, including “Start Here – Course Introduction,” “How to Stretch, When to Stretch, Why stretch, and when NOT to stretch,” “Complex Anatomy Made Simple,” “Video Demonstration of 21+ Stretches/Mobility Exercises,” and “HyperLapse Stretch Section.” There is also a section on reviewing everything that matters.

Some of the specific topics covered in the course include stretching defined, the four types of stretching, stretching vs mobility, when not to stretch, and when stretching is a warm-up. There are also video demonstrations on how to stretch for specific muscle groups, such as hamstrings, quads, and glutes. Additionally, there are bonus materials, such as a video review of the best equipment to help improve range of motion.

Nick Helton, the instructor, is a physical therapist who works full-time in an orthopedic setting. He created this course to help as many people as possible move better.

5. Spine Flexibility Course – Backbends – Level I-IV by Michigan Guillaume, Camila Villegas (Udemy)

The Spine Flexibility Course – Backbends, Level I-IV, is designed to teach intermediate to extreme flexibility exercises and routines to improve spinal health and longevity. The course is suitable for beginners, artists, athletes, martial artists, and anyone who wants to experience pleasure from the body and spine. The course covers various poses, including bow, camel, full wheel, and dancer, and incorporates the fundamentals of anatomy, drills, and postures to create a strong and satisfying backbend. The course also utilizes props such as backrests, blocks, benches, and partners to deepen the practice.

Backbends promote spinal health and longevity by increasing mobility while strengthening the supporting muscles around the skeleton. It also helps to release energy blocks and facilitate healing at the mind, emotional body, and soul levels. Backbends relieve anxiety and stress by opening the frontal area of the body, releasing accumulated stress that crystallizes as a physical tension or sore spot. The course helps individuals safely experience profound effects and gradually transform pleasure and heartache into ecstatic sensations.

Backbends open the heart chakra, increasing a sense of well-being, confidence, and connection to the world around us. It also counteracts the negative effects of daily life, such as rounded shoulders and closing of the heart, which can lead to tension headaches, back pain, restricted blood flow, and emotional disconnection. The course introduces various poses, exercises, and routines for basic to advanced levels, including warm-up routines, spinal strengthening exercises, chest and thoracic vertebrae elongation, lumbar area elongation, and counterpostures.

The Spine Flexibility Course – Backbends, Level I-IV, is intended for yogis, practitioners of Dance, Circus, Gymnastics, Athletes, and Artists with a basic to advanced level looking to expand their practice and deepen their connection with these postures.

6. Stretch and Mobility: Fundamental Guide to Mobility Training by A Wildes (Udemy)

The Stretch and Mobility course is designed to help individuals improve their flexibility and increase their range of motion. The course covers the concepts of stretching and mobility and their effects on posture, health, and daily functions. Participants will learn about static and dynamic stretching and how to perform them correctly. The course includes exercises such as static stretching, full-body dynamic stretching, self-myofascial release stretches, full-body mobility sequences (flows), and shoulder-specific mobility and strengthening exercises. The exercises improve balance, core strength, movement efficiency, and strength. The course is suitable for individuals of all fitness levels, including personal trainers, movement coaches, and fitness enthusiasts. The course is beginner to advanced beginner level, and no prior movement or fitness experience is required.

The course is divided into eight sections: Introduction, Check Your Posture, Flexibility, Static Stretching, Dynamic Stretching, Mobility Sequences, Self-Myofascial Release (SMR), and Shoulder Mobility: Enhance Range of Motion and Decrease Pain. Participants will learn about the importance of maintaining good posture and how to enhance flexibility through static and dynamic stretching. The course also covers mobility sequences, which improve movement efficiency, and self-myofascial release, which helps release tightness using a foam roller. Additionally, the course includes shoulder-specific mobility and strengthening exercises to help overcome shoulder pain, tightness, or aches.

The course is suitable for anyone wanting to improve their posture, increase their flexibility, and find relief from aches and pains. Personal trainers and movement coaches can also benefit from the course to improve their clients’ mobility. The course is accessible to all, with no previous movement or fitness experience required. The exercises and sequences are broken down into accessible levels suitable for beginners to advanced beginners.

In conclusion, the Stretch and Mobility course is a comprehensive guide to mobility training. It offers participants the opportunity to improve their flexibility, posture, and joint mobility through various exercises and sequences.

7. EASY SPLITS 2021: Learn to Do Splits for Beginners at Home by Lisa Leo (Udemy)

The EASY SPLITS 2021 course is designed for beginners who want to learn how to do splits safely and effectively at home. The instructor, Lisa Leo, has taught this course to people of all ages and capabilities with no prior stretching experience. Leo’s program is designed to achieve results while ensuring the health of muscles and joints. The course includes an effective splits program, warm-up recommendations, detailed instructions, breathing exercises, and bonus exercises for quick results. The course is suitable for individuals, trainers working with clients, and adults and children of any age.

However, there are several contraindications to splits stretching, such as serious spine injuries, severe leg bruises, microcracks in the bones, constant pain in the lumbar, inflammation of the hip joints, high blood pressure, and pregnancy. While there are no direct contraindications to stretching during pregnancy, individuals should be careful, listen to their own feelings, and consult a doctor.

The course is broken down into several sections, including an introduction, stretching goal setting, recommendations for safe practice, warm-up, breathing exercises, front and side split exercises, and bonus exercises. The course also covers the importance of doing splits correctly and ten main rules for stretching.

Overall, EASY SPLITS 2021 is a comprehensive course for beginners who want to learn splits safely and effectively at home. The program is designed to achieve results without compromising the health of muscles and joints. Furthermore, individuals who have questions or concerns can always contact the instructor for further assistance.

8. Text Neck | Pain Relief Stretches and Exercises by Posture Videos (Udemy)

The course “Text Neck | Pain Relief Stretches and Exercises” focuses on preventing neck pain, fixing Text Neck, and improving posture. The course is suitable for individuals who spend extended periods using mobile devices, leading to forward head posture and related chronic muscular activity. The course’s long description includes reviews from students who have found the course helpful in addressing chronic neck pain and improving posture.

The course is primarily exercise-focused, with little theory and science. Prolonged use of mobile devices can lead to chronic head and neck pain, headaches, shoulder tension, upper back pain, and other medical conditions such as asthma, anxiety, and depression. The course teaches learners how to prevent Text Neck and provides various exercises to alleviate related symptoms.

The exercises provided in the course do not need to be performed in the order given, and learners can choose the ones they prefer. However, it is advisable to do at least one exercise daily. The course instructor encourages learners to ask questions and share their experiences.

The course comprises various sections, including Welcome, What is Text Neck?, Rehabilitation Exercises for Neck and Shoulder, Rehabilitation Stretches, Ergonomics, Text Neck Treatment, and Bonus Materials. Learners can purchase the course by clicking on the “ADD TO CART” button.

9. Art of stretching for beginners. 200 min Full Body Workout by Lisa Andreeva (Udemy)

The “Art of Stretching for Beginners” is a 200-minute full-body workout course taught by Lisa Andreeva, a master of gymnastics and young mother from Ukraine. The course aims to provide a basic stretching program for beginners through 10 brief stretching workouts that teach participants how to become flexible and perform the splits. Each workout focuses on stretching specific muscle groups, progressing from simple to complex exercises. Overall, the course provides 200 minutes of stretching routines for all muscle groups, from toes to fingers.

The program content is designed to help beginners learn the art of stretching through S-HUBme. The course is divided into several sections, covering the basics of stretching for all major muscle groups. Each section includes a brief stretching workout that is easy to follow, even for those who are new to stretching. The program is designed to gradually increase in difficulty, providing a comprehensive introduction to stretching.

Throughout the course, participants will learn the fundamentals of stretching, including proper technique, breathing, and alignment. They will also gain an understanding of the benefits of stretching, such as improved flexibility, reduced muscle soreness, and decreased risk of injury. The course is suitable for individuals of all fitness levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners.

Overall, the “Art of Stretching for Beginners” is a comprehensive course that aims to provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to achieve greater flexibility and mobility. With its easy-to-follow workouts and gradual progression in difficulty, the course is an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their fitness and overall health through stretching.

10. Workout with awarness! – dancer strengthening & stretching by Renata Simon (Udemy)

This course titled “Workout with Awareness! – Dancer Strengthening & Stretching” is suitable for everyone, especially those who practice modern dance. It is an additional training that focuses on strengthening the body, working on specific muscles, building body awareness, coordination, and balance. It can be combined with any modern or contemporary dance routine for better results.

The course is structured into six sections. The first section is the warm-up phase, which involves a simple aerobic exercise followed by a slower stretching phase. The second and third sections focus on strengthening specific muscles, while the fourth section is a fun and dance-oriented moving exercise. The final two sections are dedicated to stretching all the muscles utilized in the course.

It is recommended to start with the easier exercises and gradually increase the speed and number of repetitions. The course is designed to be enjoyable and more engaging than a typical gym workout. By working out through movement, it helps to build coordination and enhance body intelligence.

Overall, this course aims to provide an effective and engaging training regimen for dancers and non-dancers alike to strengthen their bodies and improve their overall physical health.